eBay hassle-free returns gives you and your buyers a simple and efficient way to handle returns. Understand the requirements and follow the steps to ensure smooth and professional transactions with your buyers.

Eligibility

To be eligible to opt in to eBay hassle-free returns your account must be in good standing.

Once you're opted in to eBay hassle-free returns, there are additional requirements for a sale to be eligible. Hassle-free returns can be used when:

An item is listed and sold on eBay.com. You can be registered on any eBay site.

You specify in the Return policy section of the listing that you accept returns.

You haven't already issued a refund for the transaction through PayPal.

A buyer uses eBay hassle-free returns to start a return within your specified return time frame.

A buyer pays for the item with PayPal.

A buyer hasn't opened an eBay Money Back Guarantee or PayPal Purchase Protection case, or requested a refund on the credit card associated with the buyer's PayPal account.

A buyer wants a full refund or a replacement—not a partial refund or exchange.

All new sellers are automatically opted in to eBay hassle-free returns.

Changes to your active and scheduled listings

When you opt in to eBay hassle-free returns, your active listings are updated as follows:

You'll see a new restocking fee field. The restocking fee is automatically set to 0%, but you can change it at any time.

You'll no longer see the Additional return policy details text field

Take a moment to review your active and scheduled listings to be sure your return policy settings are correct.

Setting up your hassle-free returns preferences in My eBay

When you opt in to eBay hassle-free returns, we ask you to set up your return preferences.

Automation rules: If you have multiple return addresses, typically refund buyers for items under a certain dollar value, or you sometimes let a buyer keep an item, you can automate those processes. Set up automation rules that apply to all listings, listings in a certain category, or to a listing group that you create. You can create up to 100 rules.

You can update your hassle-free returns preferences any time:

Click My eBay at the top of most pages. You may need to sign in.

Click the Account tab, and then click the Site preferences link on the left.

In the Return preferences section, click the Show link, and then click the Edit link.

When you opt in to eBay hassle-free returns and you have active listings, the return policy settings on your active listings aren't changed. For new sellers, your default return policy is automatically set to No returns accepted. If you want your buyers to be able to return an item you're listing, specify in the listing that you accept returns. Once you're opted in to eBay hassle-free returns, any requests from your buyers to return an item are handled through hassle-free returns.

If you're using the quick listing tool and you specify in the listing that you accept returns, you'll see the default return policy of 14 days with money back, buyer pays return shipping. If you set up your return policy using the advanced listing tool, you have more options.

To set up your return policy in the advanced listing tool:

Scroll to the Add other details section of the listing form.

In the Return policy area, select Returns accepted from the drop-down menu.

Select your return policy terms from the drop-down menus.

How it works

If you specify in the Return policy section of a listing that you accept returns, a buyer can start a return for that item for any reason. We'll guide both you and your buyer through the process, step by step.

A buyer starts a return.

You get an email letting you know that the buyer has started a return.

For refunds: Issue a refund within 6 business days* of receiving the returned item.

For replacements: Ship the replacement within 5 business days* of the buyer starting the return.

If you've set your return preferences to use multiple return addresses, you have 2 business days to provide the information after a buyer starts a return. (For issuing refunds and shipping replacements, we start counting business days after you provide return details, if needed.)

If you don't provide a specific return shipping address, the buyer ships the item to your primary return shipping address.

The buyer ships the item back to you.

We provide the buyer with a return shipping label. We also give the buyer a packing slip to print and enclose in the return package. We generate a unique return ID that appears on both the shipping label and the packing slip, along with the buyer's ID.

The return shipping label will use US Postal Service (USPS) Parcel Select, First-Class, or Priority Mail, whichever is the most appropriate based on cost, package weight, and delivery time. Delivery Confirmation is automatically included so you can track the status of the return shipment. Signature Confirmation is also included if the item is valued at or more than $750.

For refunds: We ask the buyer to ship the item to you within 5 business days of starting the return.

For replacements: We ask the buyer to ship the item to you within 5 business days of starting the return. We send the buyer reminders after 5 business days, and we charge the buyer for the second item after 30 days.

You receive the item.

If you're issuing a refund, thoroughly inspect the item to be sure it meets the item condition policy for returns before refunding the buyer. You must issue a refund within 6 business days of receiving the returned item. After you've issued a refund, your eBay final value fees show as a credit on your next seller invoice.

*Business days are weekdays—Monday through Friday. Saturdays, Sundays, and major US holidays aren't business days.

Return shipping charges

Either you or the buyer is responsible for return shipping charges, as specified in your return policy, except when an item is being returned because it isn't as described in the listing. In this instance, you pay the return shipping charges.

When you're responsible for return shipping charges

When you're responsible for return shipping charges, the charges are included on your next monthly seller invoice as a fee. These fees may be charged to your automatic payment method on file.

If the buyer uses alternative shipping arrangements, you need to reimburse the buyer for the agreed-upon shipping costs outside of eBay hassle-free returns. You can send payment to the buyer through PayPal or another payment method.

When you use hassle-free returns, your USPS return shipping rate is never more than the original outbound rate, provided that you purchase eBay shipping labels for both the original shipment and the return.

When the buyer is responsible for return shipping charges

When the buyer is responsible for return shipping charges, we charge the buyer's PayPal account.

If you used calculated shipping or printed shipping labels from eBay or PayPal to send the item, we use this package weight to determine return shipping charges for the buyer. In some instances, return shipping charges may not be based on the actual weight of the package, but on an estimate.

Return shipping rates

Returns are shipped through the USPS Parcel Select, First-Class, or Priority Mail—whichever is the most appropriate for the cost, package weight, and delivery time.

Return shipping charges are based on rates negotiated with USPS. These charges may differ from actual rates to ship an item, and are subject to change.

Package weight

Shipping service

Shipping charges

5 ounces or under

USPS First-Class Mail

$2.50

Over 5 ounces, up to 13 ounces

USPS First-Class Mail

$3.00

Over 13 ounces, up to 1 pound

USPS First-Class Mail

$4.50

Over 1 pound, up to 5 pounds

USPS Priority Mail

$7.75

Over 5 pounds, up to 10 pounds

USPS Priority Mail

$13.00

Over 10 pounds, up to 20 pounds

USPS Priority Mail

$25.00

Over 20 pounds, up to 30 pounds

USPS Priority Mail

$30.00

Over 30 pounds, up to 40 pounds

USPS Priority Mail

$40.00

Over 40 pounds, up to 55 pounds

USPS Priority Mail

$50.00

Over 55 pounds, up to 70 pounds

USPS Parcel Select

$65.00

Unknown weight

USPS Priority Mail

$13.00

Refunds

Refund amounts are automatically adjusted for any restocking fees or shipping charges, depending on the reason for return.

When the item isn't as described:

If a buyer returns an item because it's not as described in the listing, arrives damaged, or is missing parts, then your refund to the buyer is:

If a buyer returns an item for any other reason, including deciding not to purchase the item after all, you keep any restocking fee specified in the listing Return policy. You can waive this fee, if you like.

In these situations, you can also keep the original shipping charge. The buyer pays for the return shipping charges, unless you specify in the Return policy section of the listing that you pay for return shipping charges.

For this type of return, in most cases the refund is the total purchase price, including item cost, sales tax and other charges, less:

Original shipping (at your discretion)

Restocking fee (if specified in the listing Return Policy)

Return shipping (if specified in the listing Return Policy)

If a return is escalated

If you don't issue a refund through eBay hassle-free returns within 6 business days of receiving the returned item, a buyer can open an eBay Money Back Guarantee case. The eBay Money Back Guarantee refund amount, regardless of the reason for the return, is:

A refund amount could be higher through the eBay Money Back Guarantee. We strongly encourage you to issue original refunds on time.

After you've received a returned item, and you've made sure the item's condition is as expected, you need to issue the buyer a refund within 6 business days.

If you don't issue a refund within 6 business days of receiving a returned item, we may ask PayPal to reverse the buyer's payment for the refund amount. If you don't have sufficient funds in your PayPal account to cover the refund, we may give the buyer the refund and include the refund amount on your seller invoice as a fee, payable through your automatic payment method on file.

Replacements

If you're registered on eBay.com, and you have inventory available, you may want to offer a buyer who is returning an item the option of getting a replacement, instead of a refund.

When your buyer initiates a return for a replacement, we guide you through the process step by step.

A buyer can request a replacement when:

The item arrives not as described in the listing, such as with a damaged part, or defective in some way.

The buyer is returning the original item and will be getting the same item to replace the original.

The total refund amount for the original item would be less than $250.00.

Things to keep in mind:

You can print your shipping label on eBay for the replacement, or use your own shipping and upload tracking information. See Return shipping charges.

Once your buyer initiates a return with a replacement request, you won't be able to use the funds from the transaction to purchase a shipping label on eBay for the replacement item.

If the buyer returns the item with a request for a replacement and no replacement is available, you're asked to issue a refund instead.

If the buyer doesn't return the original item, the replacement is treated as a purchase. The buyer's PayPal account is charged, and you're paid for the item, including shipping. A final value fee is assessed for the transaction.

Timeline for replacements:

You must send the replacement and upload tracking information within 5 business days of the return request being initiated in the system.

If you haven't shipped the replacement item within 5 business days of the buyer uploading shipment tracking information, you're asked to issue a refund to the buyer.

If we ask you to issue a refund to the buyer, you have 6 business days to issue the refund once the returned item has been delivered to you. If you don't issue the refund within 6 business days, we may give the buyer the refund and include the refund amount on your seller invoice as a fee, payable through your automatic payment method on file.

If either you or your buyer would like to open a case, you have 14 days from either the day the replacement was delivered to the buyer, or the day the original was delivered to you– whichever is latest.

Alternative return shipping arrangements

In some cases, buyers can start a return with eBay hassle-free returns, but won't print or use a return shipping label:

Shipping with insurance

Insurance isn't available for return shipments. If either you or your buyer prefers that an item be returned with insurance, return postage with insurance should be purchased instead of using the label provided through hassle-free returns.

There are multiple return packages

Occasionally, more than one package is needed to return an item. In these instances, buyers can use the label provided on one package, but are expected to make alternate shipping arrangements for the remaining packages.

The item is outside USPS guidelines

We can only issue a return label for items within the USPS size and weight guidelines for the shipping service used.

If the package is outside of the USPS guidelines, the buyer needs to make alternative shipping arrangements.

The shipping charges exceed the refund amount

A return shipping label isn't available if the expected shipping charges exceed the expected refund. If you routinely handle this type of return request by allowing the buyer to keep the item, you can automate that process with seller automation rules.

Go to My eBay > Account > Site preferences and scroll down to Return preferences to set up seller automation rules.

The item was delivered through freight or local pickup

You and the buyer need to agree on alternative shipping arrangements or, in the case of local pickup, a way of getting the item back to you safely.

When using alternative shipping, we instruct buyers to include tracking information. If the item is valued at or more than $750, delivery confirmation is also required. We give buyers a packing slip and ask them to enclose it with the returned item.

When using alternative shipping arrangements, either you or the buyer pays for return shipping charges as outlined above.

If you're responsible for return shipping charges, we ask the buyer to contact you to agree on the service and cost before an item is shipped. In these instances, you need to refund the buyer for the shipping charges—or you can provide a pre-paid shipping label.

Final value fees and PayPal fees

Final value fees

Refunds: When a refund is successfully deposited in the buyer's account through eBay hassle-free returns, your eBay final value fees show as a credit on your next seller invoice.

Replacements: If a buyer requests a replacement but does not return the original item, the replacement is then handled like a standard purchase. The buyer is charged for the second item and a final value fee for the transaction appears on your next seller invoice.

PayPal fees

When you issue a refund through eBay hassle-free returns, your variable PayPal fee is refunded based on the total refund amount. Your fixed PayPal transaction fee isn't refunded. To learn more about variable and fixed transaction fees, see the PayPal User Agreement.

If you send a replacement item to your buyer instead of issuing a refund, there is no change to your PayPal fees.

Resolving problems

You don\'t want the item returned to you

After we notify you that a buyer has started a return, you can contact the buyer through Messages in My eBay (to keep a record of the conversation) and ask them not to send back the item. Keep in mind that we ask buyers to ship back an item within 5 business days after starting a return, so contact your buyer quickly.

We discourage haggling or trying to dissuade buyers from returning an item. We recommend that you only contact buyers if you feel that you can resolve the problem in another way.

Examples of when you may not want an item returned to you:

If an item has a low price or is damaged beyond repair, you may decide to just issue a refund.

If a problem is due to operating error and you feel you can adequately troubleshoot the issue and avoid a return.

You can also set up seller automation rules in My eBay, to handle this type of situation automatically. Go to My eBay > Account > Site preferences and scroll down to Return preferences.

You\'d like to close a return

Occasionally, you and your buyer may decide that a return isn't necessary. If this happens, you can't close the return yourself.

If you and your buyer have communicated through Messages in My eBay, and you've determined that a return is no longer necessary, ask the buyer to close the return. The buyer can close the return if the return shipment isn't already in progress.

If your buyer has already printed a return shipping label, but hasn't shipped the item back to you, the buyer can simply disregard the label. No shipping charges occur unless a label is scanned by USPS.

A return is shipped late

A lenient return policy can work in your favor. If the item still arrives within your return time frame, we recommend you issue a refund. However, if the buyer doesn't ship the item within 5 business days of initiating a return, you're not obligated to issue a refund.

Take into account a possible carrier delay—it's possible that the buyer shipped the item at the end of the last business day, but USPS didn't scan the package until the following morning.

An item is never shipped back

Refunds:

If a buyer doesn't send back an item, you don't need to issue a refund.

Replacements:

If you send a replacement and a buyer doesn't send back the original item, we charge the buyer for the second item, and make a payment to you. A final value fee for the transaction appears on your next invoice.

A return is from a multi-quantity listing

For each sale (or transaction), a buyer has one opportunity to return an item or items. For multi-quantity listings, a buyer has a single opportunity to return any of the multiple items purchased.

For example, a buyer selects a quantity of 5 when buying T-shirts. The buyer has one opportunity to return any quantity of the 5 T-shirts. If the buyer returns 2 of the 5 T-shirts, the remaining 3 shirts can't be returned later.

Refunding more than the original payment amount

You can only refund up to the total amount paid by the buyer. If you want to add a courtesy credit or you need to reimburse the buyer for alternative shipping arrangements, you need to make a separate payment outside of eBay hassle-free returns.

There\'s a delay with the refund

There may be situations when you authorize a refund, but the refund failed, canceled, or did not complete. If a buyer hasn't received their refund within the required time frame, they can open a case. We recommend that you confirm a refund has been completed successfully.

The returned item is lost in the mail

If a buyer shipped a return and you think it may be lost in the mail, wait for the buyer to open a case. We'll look into the matter at that time.

The returned item was damaged in the mail

If you receive a returned item that's been damaged in the mail, report the item to us. From the Returns section of My eBay, find the item and select Report a buyer from the Action drop-down menu.

Misuse of returns

Many problems are misunderstandings that can be worked out when buyers and sellers talk to each other—but occasionally, you may not be able to resolve an issue. If you feel a member is abusing eBay hassle-free returns, we want to know about it.

Protecting sellers

If a buyer has tried to ensure an item is returned to you safely, we suggest you issue a refund to provide great customer service.

A lenient return policy is strongly recommended, except in circumstances where the buyer is at fault:

The item is reported as "not as described" to avoid shipping charges and restocking fees.

If you suspect that a buyer is abusing eBay hassle-free returns for a specific transaction, contact the buyer through Messages in MyeBay in order to keep a record of the conversation, and try to resolve the issue. If you still suspect buyer abuse, report the buyer to us. In the Returns section of My eBay, find the item and select Report a buyer from the Action drop-down menu.

In instances like this, a buyer may escalate the issue to Customer Service. Customer Service reviews and considers your communications with the buyer, as well as the information you provide, in the report. If photos of the item would be helpful for documenting the condition of the item you sold and shipped, you can upload as many as 10 (PNG, JPEG, BMP, or GIF; max size 5MB). You can add photos until the return process is closed. Uploaded photos can be removed only by contacting Customer Service.

If we determine that a buyer has abused eBay hassle-free returns or the eBay Money Back Guarantee, you may be protected from any negative Feedback left by the buyer. The buyer may also be subject to a range of actions, including limits on buying and selling privileges and account suspension.

Protecting buyers

If you agree to accept returns using eBay hassle-free returns, and a buyer acts within all return time frames, but you fail to issue a refund within 5 business days of receiving the returned item, the buyer may file a case.

The eBay Money Back Guarantee does not require a buyer returning an item through eBay hassle-free returns to wait for you to respond before we review the case. Either you or the buyer is responsible for return shipping charges, as detailed in the listing's return policy.

If we determine that a seller has abused eBay hassle-free returns or the eBay Money Back Guarantee, the seller may be subject to a range of actions, including limits on buying and selling privileges and account suspension.

Changes to this process

We may update eBay hassle-free returns at any time by posting the amended terms on this site.

Opting out

You can choose to opt out of eBay hassle-free returns at any time.

There are some things keep in mind if you opt out:

Your return policy can't be edited for any listings with a purchase, with one or more bids or Best Offers, or with fewer than 12 hours remaining before the end time.

You still need to complete any returns a buyer has already started with eBay hassle-free returns before you opted out.

If you opt out, those active listings that can be edited will be updated to remove the restocking fee field and to restore the Additional return policy details text field. Any editable listings that you created before you opted in to eBay hassle-free returns will use your previous return details from this field.

To opt out of eBay hassle-free returns:

Click My eBay at the top of most pages. You may need to sign in.

Click the Account tab, and then click the Site preferences link on the left.

In the Return preferences section, click the Show link, and then click the Edit link.